THE troublesome Butchers Arms pub has had its licence suspended for six weeks by North Somerset Council following a review hearing this morning (Mon).

Councillors heard how the police were called more than 30 times since May of last year for a variety of incidents including urinating in the street, swearing, violence and loud music playing until 2am.

Residents, who have campaigned for 18 months against the Yatton pub in High Street, punched the air in delight after the decision was read.

Previous licensee Tony Hill was removed from his position by pub owners, Enterprise Inn, on Friday, who were criticised by the council for not acting sooner.

Cllr Ian Porter, chairing the hearing, said: “The system has failed. This has gone on for far far too long - 18 months is a long time for not controlling someone’s premises.”

A spokesman for Enterprise apologised to residents for putting up with ‘unpalatable’ and ‘horrendous’ living conditions for so long and promised a rigorous vetting procedure would be undertaken before the next licence holder is appointed.

The pub has been closed since Friday and will now remain shut until October 31.